Louisiana soybean meeting highlights

From an LSU press release...

Louisiana soybean specialist David Lanclos said he expects Louisiana soybean acreage to remain static at 800,000 acres. Last year’s harvest set a record at 35 bushels an acre, compared to the 2005 harvest of 34 bushels. "The record is a big compliment to our producers, consultants and county agents," Lanclos said during the Jan. 18 Louisiana Soybean Association meeting.

During his presentation, Lanclos:

Advised farmers in South Louisiana to plant Maturity Group V beans, although he said some farmers will pick Group IV varieties. Insects and diseases are worse south of Alexandria, he said, which limits yields.

Noted that raised beds continue to out-produce flat ground by 5 bushels to 7 bushels per acre because of superior drainage, he added.

Called irrigation a worthwhile expense, but emphasized that it’s best used on furrows.

Another speaker during the meeting, LSU AgCenter plant pathologist Dr. Boyd Padgett said the threat of Asian soybean rust will continue. Last year, the disease was found in 274 counties among 26 states, he said, including 26 parishes of Louisiana.

For 2007, the disease already has been detected in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, he said, adding that monitoring in Louisiana is focusing on kudzu patches. "It seems we’re starting to see the disease earlier and earlier every year," Padgett said.

Jonathan Siebert, Monsanto research manager, outlined several genetically modified soybeans under development by the company. He said 21 countries have accepted new crops developed with biotechnology. Varieties in the pipeline include beans that have insect protection, nematode resistance, drought tolerance, increased yields, Dicamba herbicide resistance and high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Siebert said acreage will increase this year for Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Vistive beans that reduce trans fats in cooking oil. Kentucky Fried Chicken will be the major user of the product, he said.

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